St. John’s Abbey announces archery-only deer hunt
Archery deer hunters are invited to apply for permission to hunt deer on St. John’s Abbey property in Stearns County. This year, the Abbey is using an archery-only hunt beginning Oct. 20 and ending Dec. 31. The goal is to assure a population level that will allow both adequate regeneration of the forest and a healthy deer herd in the Abbey Arboretum’s 2,500-plus acres. Applications to hunt at St. John’s must be received no later than 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10. For more information or to apply, visit the deer hunt website at csbsju.edu/outdooru/abbeyarboretum/stewardship/deerhunt, or call the St. John’s Outdoor University office at 320-363-3163. Hunters under 18 are allowed only with an adult supervisor.
Take a Day OFF Aug. 1 on the Mississippi River
Canoeing, archery, fishing and kayaking are just a few of the many opportunities that await families who attend the seventh annual Take a Day OFF (Outdoor Family Fun) event from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1 at Stearns County’s Mississippi Park. The event provides families a chance to experience a variety of outdoor recreational and nature educational activities. The event includes canoeing, fishing, paddle sports, archery, nature hikes, live reptiles, making of buckthorn walking sticks and other make-and-take projects and games for kids, and new this year BLEND Fit Kids Club Series 1K Trail Run/Walk and much more. No experience is necessary, equipment is provided and all activities are free. Food will be available onsite for purchase to support the local non-profit St. Stephen Sportsmen Club, or pack a lunch and enjoy a family picnic. For more details on Take a Day OFF on the Mississippi River, visit takeadayoff.org, or contact Craft Station Stearns County SWCD Office at 320-251-7800 ext. 3. This is a rain or shine event, but in the case of severe weather check the event website for cancellation announcements.
State Fair Amateur Talent registration closes July 27
State Fair Amateur Talent Contest hopefuls have until Monday to register for auditions before the deadline at 4 p.m. Participants are encouraged to register online at mnstatefair.org. Entry forms may also be printed and returned through the mail. Auditions run Monday, July 27 through Sunday, Aug. 2 at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell on the fairgrounds and begin at 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. From auditions, semifinalists will be selected to perform during the first 10 days of this year’s Minnesota State Fair at 6 p.m. on the Leinie Lodge Bandshell stage. Winners from the semifinals will compete in the finals at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6 at the Grandstand. Nearly $10,000 in total prize money will be awarded to the first- through third-place winners in three divisions. Entries are accepted for all age groups and categories are: Open Division (for any age), Teen Division (ages 13-18) and Preteen Division (ages 12 and under). For more information, call 651-288-4395 or email [email protected].
VA Summer Games planned for Aug. 2
The first Summer Games are planned for Saturday, Aug. 1 at the St. Cloud VA, 4801 Veterans Drive, St. Cloud. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the opening ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. The actual games will begin at 10 a.m. The final competitions will commence at 1 p.m. with the awards ceremony starting at 2:30 p.m. The Summer Games are open to all veterans enrolled at the St. Cloud VA and include wheelchair and ambulatory divisions. Water and first-aid services will be available and lunch will be on your own. For more information on the VA’s Summer Games, contact Leah Egan at 320-252-1670 ext. 6180 or pick up a registration packet in the Fitness Clinic in Building 48, Room 16 at the St. Cloud VA.
United Way volunteer opportunities
Catholic Charities seeks food for kids
Catholic Charities Emergency Services is in need of food for their food shelf this summer. They are specifically seeking food items that are kid friendly to help parents and their children during the summer months. Suggested food items include canned food with a popped top and no cooking required, peanut butter, tuna, soup, canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, oatmeal and more. Donations are accepted at Catholic Charities Emergency Services, 157 Roosevelt Road Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN 56301. Contact Catholic Charities Emergency Services at 320-229-4560.
Be a foster grandparent
The Foster Grandparent Program, a program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud, is looking for volunteers ages 55 and older to mentor children. Volunteers are needed in schools in District 742, Sartell and Paynesville, as well as after-school programs and the St. Cloud Children’s Home. An hourly stipend, transportation reimbursement and paid training are included. Contact Emily Chaphalkar, Catholic Charities Foster Grandparent Program, at 320-229-4597.
Food shelf stocker
Catholic Charities Emergency Services is looking for volunteers to help stock shelves, coolers and freezers with product purchased from Second Harvest as well as other donations. Volunteers will also assist staff with other projects in the food shelf. Volunteers must be flexible and able to lift 20 to 30 pounds, must maintain client confidentiality and have a non-judgmental attitude toward people who are low-income or in crisis. Contact Chad Kaushagen, volunteer coordinator, at 320-229-4568.
Walk with a purpose – be a beauty shop escort
One of the highlights of the week for residents at Country Manor Campus is getting their trips to the beauty shop on campus. Country Manor is looking for a volunteer to escort residents to their beauty appointments located right within our facility. It’s a great way for you to get exercise and give back to your community at the same time. This volunteer position is open on Friday mornings from 9-11:30 a.m. This is a fun way to get to know new people and make new friendships as well. Contact Caitlin Tierney, volunteer coordinator, at 320-253-1920.
True friends
Respite weekends at camp give children and adults with disabilities (developmental, physical and learning) the chance to socialize with a variety of new people year-round. Respite is a community of friends, family and fun. Activities include swimming, arts and crafts, games, rock-climbing and other camp-based excitement. There are often day trips to Twins games, the Science Museum, parks and more. Campers return to respite again and again and have built a great relationship with our respite staff. We want you to be a part of the community. As a volunteer, you will be a new friend to campers, and will also assist staff in providing the best care and most fun possible in order to make campers’ weekends away from home the best they can be. One weekend at respite will change your life. Volunteers can be as young as 16, choose Camp Friendship in Annandale or Camp Eden Wood in Eden Prairie, from 5 p.m. Friday-5 p.m. Sunday; e-Training is provided, as well as food and on-site shared housing. Pick the weekend that works best with your schedule. All programs meet educational institutions service-learning requirements and references will be supplied upon request. Sign up with a friend. To apply or for more information: www.truefriends.org/volunteer. Contact Amanda Sorell, volunteer services coordinator, at 952-852-0101 x399 or [email protected].
For more information, contact Mary Krippner, United Way volunteer engagement coordinator, at 320-223-7991 or [email protected].